Michaels partners with Site Controls to reduce energy costs

September 1, 2009

Austin, Texas Site Controls, a leading provider of enterprise energy management, facilities intelligence, and grid-efficiency solutions, announced Wednesday that Michaels Stores has successfully deployed its Site-Command Energy Management System at more than 900 retail locations.

To date, Michaels has seen energy usage drop by more than 25% at stores equipped with the system, which is designed to help chain retailers reduce energy and maintenance costs through equipment monitoring and control, combined with Web-based business intelligence.

Michaels initially deployed the Site-Command system in early 2006, achieving immediate energy reductions of 17% through schedule and set-point compliance. By utilizing the platform’s above-site visibility to identify and remedy HVAC and lighting equipment issues, Michaels further reduced energy use over time, with sustained reductions now exceeding 25%.

In addition to lowering energy costs, Site Controls has helped significantly reduce Michaels’ carbon emissions. By lowering electricity usage by 137 million kilowatt-hours annually, Michaels has reduced CO2 emissions by approximately 192 million lbs.

“We are extremely pleased with the results we’ve seen from Site Controls in controlling our store-level energy expenses,” said Rob McClay, VP store development and construction for Michaels, Irving, Texas, which owns and operates more than 1,000 Michaels stores and more than 150 Aaron Brothers stores. “Their enterprise tools help ensure we maintain and increase our savings over time. Most importantly, they serve as a true partner on our energy management journey.”

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